Ambassador Lothek had reached the Elven Kingdom of Danberra in a span of 2 days. The distance between Avaron and Danberra was rather short, which enabled trade between the two nations to flourish fast. Lothek had quite an uphill task on his hands. The present ruler of the Elven Kingdom was mostly a merry man, but convincing him to support Avaron in their armed struggle could prove to be a pain in the ass.
For this, Duke Charon had stocked Lothek’s carriage with 5 cases of Avaron’s finest mead and Reni. The distilleries in that town were famous throughout the entirety of Scalon. Because meat was forbidden in that region, expert winemakers had learned how to ferment a variety of fruits and other plants as well. Dreadneck had inherited his father’s appetite for alcohol, which is what Lothek hopes will aid in process of persuasion.
As he stopped at the Gates of the Castle, the guards peered inside.
Guard #1: I see you have returned Sir Lothek. Were there any hiccups along the journey?
Ambassador Lothek: Not at all. The Duke was kind enough to send two of his most trusted LEOs for extra protection.
Guard #2: Ah alright… But they have to wait outside with us. You know the protocol right?
Ambassador Lothek: Of course. I am assuming you both don’t have an issue with that?
The LEOs bowed their heads and stepped down from the carriage. The Gates were then opened up.
An entire procession of performers was waiting to greet Lothek. This team of talented artists was led by the daughter of Dreadneck. Princess Kinneck was the only child of the King, and even though many of the old-fashioned courtiers did not wish to see a Queen leading the Elven nation, Dreadneck was adamant that Kinneck was chosen as his successor. Trained in various martial art forms alongside the quintessential practices of magic, the Princess had graduated to reach the level of a Class 1 Adventurer not too long ago.
The arts had always been an integral part of the Elven Kingdom. Specifically, unique toys crafted out of wood were used to carry out puppet shows which helped empower thousands of craftsmen and women (who were mostly elves). A classical dance ceremony was also included in the procession.
Princess Kinneck: Welcome back, Sir Lothek. Is Avaron still peaceful like before? I have many great memories of that town. Princess Cassandra was my favorite playmate. I still remember her chasing me around while I used magic to run faster. She always said I was cheating.
The King’s daughter smiled widely reminiscing about her childhood days.
Ambassador Lothek: Well, that is what brings me here, Princess Kinneck. Avaron will soon be attacked by Horan’s Cris. You know how dangerous that lunatic is. If we do nothing, there is no way the town will survive.
This piece of news left Kinneck feeling unsettled. She loved her nation, but the holy town has always been her second home.
Princess Kinneck: What do you need, Sir Lothek?
Ambassador Lothek: For now, an audience with the King. I sure hope he is in a good mood.
Princess Kinneck: Well, you know my father. One moment he’d be smiling, and the next he might start swinging at your face.
Ambassador Lothek: Still, I have missed you both.
The duo embraced each other. Following the completion of the welcoming ceremony, they went up the stairs.
The Castle was an engineering marvel. Even though the Elves had always been expert mages, the founding King Leadneck never shied away from taking precautions. In the event of an invasion, the inhabitants of the capital city would quickly enter the dungeons through an underground passageway. Those imprisoned for crimes committed against the residents would be used as bait, and posted as soldiers atop the walls of the castle. Naturally, they would serve as a perfect first line of defense.
Even if the walls were breached, the moat filled with Giant Salamanders that surrounded the inner palace within the fortress would end up being fatal to the enemies. The remaining invaders would get trapped in complex mazes designed to confuse strangers who were unaware of paths inside the main building and later killed using molten lava unearthed from beneath volcanoes. The citadel stands above all other structures on Planet Scalon and is regarded as virtually impenetrable.
______
Scene Shift: Court of King Dreadneck
The monarch was an imposing fellow. He towered over Lothek, with a physique that served as testimony to his days spent exercising and lifting heavy weights. Although most elves were athletic, Dreadneck was a lover of wrestling and all sorts of pugilistic sports. When the Ambassador was about to bow before his Lord, he was greeted with a bear hug that almost choked the life out of him.
King Dreadneck: How have you been, you old codger? I thought you had forgotten all about us. Is Charon doing ok? Has he been practicing boxing at his home? I keep telling him to eat meat and grow in size, but he always gets horrified at that suggestion.
Ambassador Lothek: I have had a decent stay there, although I think you ended up crushing one of my ribs now…
King Dreadneck: NONSENSE! Even if that is true, as an elf you shall heal in no time at all.
Ambassador Lothek: My King, I have some good news and bad news.
The ruler sat on his throne and crossed his arms. His impassive look led to Lothek taking two steps back.
King Dreadneck: I have braced myself. Start with the bad one.
Ambassador Lothek: King Cris of Horan hopes to conquer Avaron. The military exercise will begin next week. So the Duke has asked for 200 mages, and in return, he says he will provide us with a sufficient amount of crops for a year.
The Lord of Elves crushed the handrest in frustration.
King Dreadneck: I knew that rabid monkey would end up doing something like this. His desire to wage war against other nations will lead to a greater bloodbath than the previous war. The population of all regions is growing, and the Demon King is not going to stand by and let the stupid ape get his way. We cannot risk another conflict after what happened last time. Arcantis fell, and now it is Avaron’s turn…
Ambassador Lothek: Sir, if I may say something?
King Dreadneck: Speak man. That’s why you are here anyways. Guards! Bring some sweets in...
Ambassador Lothek: There may be a way to counteract him. I am not sure even 200 mages will be enough to defend the town of Avaron. But if we send an emissary to the Devil’s domain, then perhaps things can work out in our favor.
King Dreadneck: You want me to seek assistance from the Demon King? That might work out but there is no guarantee that he will be available. For all, I know he has more weeds to clear out in his neck of the woods.
Ambassador Lothek: With all due respect sir, he has ample reasons for being vengeful against Horan. So I believe it is wise to bring him over to our side. We cannot let King Cris have his way with the holy town. Pretty soon, he will turn his attention to us.
Dreadneck turned silent for a while. Then he asked for the good news.
Ambassador Lothek: The Lord of Avaron has sent 3 cases of mead alongside two of Reni. The stock is recent and he hopes you shall be pleased by this offering.
Dreadneck: Get me a bottle of the Reni.
The ambassador gestured to the attendants, and they returned with a single case a few minutes later. The King took a single bottle out and peered at the lightly gray liquid before popping the cork and taking a whiff of it.
King Dreadneck: Oof, this smell is invigorating. Our distillers that produce rice toddy aren’t half as good as theirs, and the Avaronians have managed to keep their process a secret for centuries. I have a solution to the problem they are facing: if they give us the formulae for the preparation of Reni and a sneak peek into their alcohol factories, Danberra will provide 400 mages for protection. Even my daughter will accompany the team. Deliver this message to him via a spirit owl, and be quick about it Kinneck. We cannot afford to waste a single minute. Also, dispatch another owl that should reach the Demon King Vezbek only and must not be intercepted by any of his servants. I am not sure we can trust other devils with this news, what if a usurper hides amongst his fold?
Ambassador Lothek: Hmm….a fair from you. That way they can store the crops they were planning to give us for a rainy day.
Princess Kinneck: OK Father, I will get the messages across. Keep the forces ready for travel. And leave a case of Reni for me too. I will need to quench my thirst on the road.
King Dreadneck: Come on kiddo, at least leave this batch to me…
The princess glared at her father. Alas! A loving father could never say no to his only child.
King Dreadneck: Alright, alright, alright! You can have a single case. But just one, don’t ask for another later on.
The lady left the two in Court and headed towards the messengers’ quarters.
Ambassador Lothek: Do you think 400 will be enough? You know how Horan operates right? They will send wave after wave of soldiers till Avaron’s resources are fully exhausted. What if you incur the wrath of our people and they blame you for the loss of 400 mages? And you are sending Kinneck too? Is the alcohol content too strong this time?
King Dreadneck: My dear ambassador, do you know why Avaron still stands after all the conflicts it has been forced to endure for ages? Trust me, Lord Kit will defend it. And don’t worry about my daughter, she has a few tricks up her sleeve that will surely blindside the foes. What truly worries me is the Class 0 Adventurer of Horan. Lazybones has never lost a battle. As long as he is alive, no one can touch Cris. We have to find a way to get him out of the way…
Ambassador Lothek: That’s easier said than done. What do you have in mind?
The King began speaking in hushed tones.
______
Scene Shift - The Kingdom of Horan
Cris was prancing up and down the velvet carpet in his Court two days after the Stranger’s attack which led to the death of almost a dozen soldiers and injured several. Drake aka Lazybones was still incapacitated and under Nurse Charlotte’s watchful care.
The tyrant was worried that the recent developments would put a dent in his plans to take over Avaron.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
Cris muttered to himself, “Wait, aren’t I acting too paranoid? There is no guarantee that the cloaked figure hailed from Duke Charon’s town. In fact, there is a much bigger possibility that Dreadneck of Danberra carried out this attack. But what kind of spell can summon a phantom that leaves no trace behind and can hold his own against a Class 0 Adventurer? After all, Drake is no pushover. He has demonstrated his superiority over Cassandra of Avaron on multiple occasions. Should I send a spy to the Elven Kingdom? Wait, what if they are waiting for me to make a wrong move like that?…”
The Minister of External Affairs had entered the Court. He was a stout man with a razor-sharp wit. Although he was absent from the scene where the short-lived battle took place, the guards later filled him in on the details.
MEA Burat: Sir, what are we to do now? Shall we proceed with the campaign or…
King Cris: There is no way that I will back down after what just happened. I am not deserving of this throne if I stop. I swore an oath a long time ago. My father’s dream shall be realized. We must not lose sight of the goal. Ensure that preparations continue at a rapid pace. How is Drake?
MEA Burat: Still hasn’t awakened. The fight certainly took a toll on him. The Head Nurse holds the belief that he may not be fit when the war begins.
King Cris: Come on, this is Lazybones we are talking about. The smell of blood is bound to awaken him, I know it! For now, are there freelance Class 0 Adventurers we can hire as backups?
MEA Burat: Well, there is one guy. But I would advise you to steer clear of him.
King Cris: Why is that?
MEA Burat: He is a survivor of the 4th War. The last merman.
The King’s eyes widened in shock.
King Cris: That is not possible. My father killed them all. He made sure that the entire sea swallowed the whole Kingdom.
MEA Burat: Unfortunately sir, that is not true. One crawled out. You know him very well, we have all heard his stories.
King Cris: Be precise Burat, who do you speak of?
MEA Burat: The Angle of Acrantis.
King Cris: The Hero? How?
MEA Burat: Well sir, he was the strongest warrior of his era. If we are to look at it from the perspective of probability…
King Cris: I understand. And now he is a vigilante, unaffiliated with any other group or kingdom?
MEA Burat: That is what I heard. The last update came in 3 days ago.
King Cris: Why is it that I wasn’t informed about him prior to this very moment?
MEA Burat: I did not think you would believe me, my liege. But now you are desperate are you not? Imagine that you are marooned on an island. You would do anything to get back to your family would you not?
King Cris: I guess you are right. But are you absolutely sure that the Angel is still around?
MEA Burat: Fairly certain sir. 10 of our Class 1 Adventurers have been keeping a watch on him. He is near the Kingdom of Jacques. Should I go meet them and ask them to move in?
King Cris: Yes. Do that. Bring him to me. Then I will have two Aces and nothing to fear. But why would he assist the Kingdom of Horan when we played a key role in the destruction of his home world?
MEA Burat: Like I said sir... desperate times require desperate measures. We can only hope that he will listen to reason.
King Cris: Take the Elven Chariot. It will help you reach your destination a lot quicker. Our scientists reverse-engineered that vehicle after studying the remains of machines left in the wake of the previous war. Though the journey may be rocky…
MEA Burat: As you wish, Your Highness. For now, luxury can take a back seat.
______
Scene Shift
The Demon King’s party had crossed the Great Swamp. They were roughly 30 miles away from the holy town of Avaron. The Artist was chaperoning the carriage, with the twin Giants trailing close behind.
Demon King Vezbek: So how does the sky look today mate? The lights aren’t twirling eh?
Artist: I haven’t pulled out my instrument. Should we stop and take a break?
Demon King Vezbek: That would be perfect. The chef packed some amazing grub for all of us. Let’s eat and take a nap afterward.
Artist: But sir, the three of us have to stay on guard in case something ominous occurs right? We can eat of course but you take the nap, sir. We can rest at an inn inside the town for an extra day. No one can target us there, it is neutral ground after all.
Demon King Vezbek: Ah yes, you are right.
Groucho and MaGroucho roared loudly from behind the carriage. The walk had been exceedingly tiring for them, especially since one of the Giants has a tendency to sleep off.
Artist: I guess now is a good time. MaGroucho can’t bear the entire weight of their body for too long after all.
The devils lit up a campfire.
Demon King Vezbek: Mhmmm…. Fresh meat, Finger licking good.
Artist: You know that once we reach the holy town, we won’t be able to eat anything that was once alive?
Demon King Vezbek: Oh yeah, I had forgotten about that. Don’t worry, we will finish the entire stock by tomorrow morning after all.
The aroma of the vulture meat caused Groucho to awaken. His mouth began to water as the Demon King tossed him a large piece.
Demon King Vezbek: Share with your brother. Don’t be too greedy.
Although the twin Giants were held back by a strange condition, they were immensely resourceful on the battlefield. Usually, MaGroucho would take care of handling enemies, but when he would be fatigued, Groucho would awaken. The sleepy one might appear harmless while he is snoring, but anytime otherwise his bloodshot eyes and vicious blows would flatten most rivals until nothing but a mass of sticky tissue would remain behind. Most importantly, Groucho also cannibalized his victims. That is how he dealt with the father of King Cris’s father and thousands more.
The Artist began playing a tune that lightly shook the sand particles around them. They began an intricate dance that slowly grew into a light sandstorm and spread towards the West, in direction of Horan.
Demon King Vezbek: You know that is never going to be enough.
Artist: At least the walls will come down and a small section of their forces will be obliterated. I don’t partake in wasted efforts, King Vezbek.
Out of the blue, three of them noticed a bright light flying towards them from the dimming horizon. As the light kept getting bigger, the hooded Artist used his Mage Lenses to get a closer look.
“Sir, It appears to be a Spirit Owl. Shall I intercept it before it reaches you?”
Demon King Vezbek: No need. I haven’t seen one of these in a long while, and I know these are only used in matters that require urgency. Maybe King Dreadneck has something really important to tell us. Who knows? Maybe this matter is connected to the mysterious vagabond in Avaron.
Artist: That is an educated guess.
Once the Silvery translucent Owl reached them, a voice spoke, “Hoot, Hoot, Hoot. This is Princess Kinneck speaking. Ambassador Lothek from Holy Town warns of an invasion that will sweep the town of Avaron clean. Things will get out of control if the neutral ground is destroyed. Armed Assistance has been requested. For the sake of harmony, cooperation between nations is essential. Meet at Avaron in 48 hours. Hoot, Hoot, Hoot.”
Groucho tried grabbing the phantom owl while it faded away. Then he started bawling, which woke up his twin who comforted him with light taps on the back of his head.
Demon King Vezbek: It seems that several events are unfolding which we till now had no knowledge of. And I thought we could rest for a bit longer. Let us reach the town by midnight after we are done with dinner. We shall meet the Duke and then relax at the Market Inn.
4.5 hours later. Outside the Central Palace of Duke Charon.
Two LEOs peeked inside the carriage. When they realized who was inside, they hastily opened the Gates.
LEO #1: You can head right in, King Vezbek. I am sure that your attendants will be welcome too.
Demon King Vezbek: Hear that Groucho? Behave. We are not at home ground currently.
______
Scene Shift: inside the meeting room of the Central Castle.
The twins were patrolling the main building, while the Artist keep a tight watch by the door.
Duke Charon: Boy am I glad to see you King Vezbek. It has been years, hasn’t it?
Demon King Vezbek: Certainly. I just received a Spirit Owl from Danberra HQ (headquarters) not too long ago. Is it true that Cris of Horan will attack this town?
Duke Charon: We just cannot catch a break no matter how much we wish for it.
Demon King Vezbek: Well, the Artist will set out toward the Great Swamp tomorrow evening. He shall bring back more of my soldiers and Adventurers. As allies, we must stand with you during such perilous times. However, I do have one request.
Duke Charon: Of course, you may ask. Any compensation you demand will fall short of your kindness…
Demon King Vezbek: We have heard that a Prime Dragon Slayer has chosen this town as his dwelling place for the time being. May I meet him?
Duke Charon: You can see him now if you want. But I must say, that individual has willingly chosen to stand by the town. It appears he is a devotee of Lord Kit as well. Hence he has chosen to defend it. I do not know if he will join your Demon Army. But I shall not stop him if that is what he truly desires from the bottom of his heart.
Demon King Vezbek: Thank you, Duke.
“He is at Deflake’s Inn. I presume you are familiar with that establishment. You’ve been there many times right?”
“Ah yes, I know Deflake better than I know my Adventurers. Is he still a chain smoker?”
”Always”
_______
Scene Shift - Deflake’s Inn
The owner lightly knocked on door 666.
Mr. Deflake: Mr. Indrajit. You have visitors.
Indrajit: I know sir. I caught a glimpse of them from the balcony. Ask them to wait for 5 minutes, then I will accompany them to the Temple.
Mr. Deflake: OK sir. As you wish.
The Illusionist had finally come face-to-face with the Demons of the Great Swamp. And the small party was led by none other than the King himself. Indrajit could sense the royal aura the humanoid figure in the violet robe exuded. They both shook hands.
Demon King Vezbek: My carriage is currently at the Palace. Shall we take a walk then?
Indrajit: Sure. I haven’t had a drop to drink tonight so I will be alright.
Artist: You are one of us aren’t you? I could smell you when I was a mile away from the main gate.
Indrajit: Well, you are not entirely wrong. In my previous life, I was the son of a Demon King.
Artist: What in the hell happened to you?
Indrajit: Great choice of words. That is an interesting story. Tell you what: if you can beat me in single combat, I will let you know all about my past life. But first, I want you four to meet someone special.
When they reached the Church, Indrajit began shouting as loudly as possible.
“Hey, Fiona! Come see who’s here!”
A tiny head popped out of a temple window. A few moments later, a child ran out and embraced the hooded Adventurer.
Fiona: Who are they Indrajit?
Demon King Vezbek: That is the Demon King of today kiddo.
Fiona: Really? Are there any dwarves left sir? I thought all of my brethren have perished?
Demon King Vezbek: Who was your father, dear child?
Fiona: General Orion.
“You are Orion’s kid? I thought you had perished. But your aunt had great expectations. She will be overjoyed to know that you are growing up safely.
Have they been treating you well?”, asked the Artist.
Fiona: You both wear masks. Are you brothers?
Artist: In a way, yes.
Grouch and MaGroucho hugged the dwarf and gave her a gentle high-five. She climbed onto their back.
Fiona: Can we play Indrajit?
Indrajit: I think so. He doesn’t seem like much of a threat.
Demon King Vezbek: Oh he isn’t. As long as I don’t give an order, he will refrain from harming a housefly. Now, the reason I came to see you is…
Indrajit: You want me to help you deal with the other two enemy nations as well right? I cannot do that. Avaron is my home. I cannot abandon this haven of peace no matter what. But I will help you whenever you ask for it. You are my kin after all. Still though, since you have come this far, I hope your Adventurer here will grant my request for a fight.
The Demon King cackled.
“How can I say no to some entertainment? But we have to head outside the town and find a quiet spot”
Indrajit: Not to worry. I know the perfect arena for this kind of activity.
Glossary:
Reni- A reference to feni, which is only available in the state of Goa in India. Due to the influence of Portuguese colonizers who had been around for over a century in this part of the country, this heritage drink came into existence. The most popular variety of feni is prepared by first crushing cashew fruits primarily by the local people endemic to the state of Goa. The juice that is collected is distilled thrice (after distilling the mixture once, Urrak is created which is also consumed during the summer season), thus ensuring that it is pure. Some people consume the drink with a slice of lime and sodas can also be added if one prefers cocktails. Feni has an alcohol percentage of 43% - 45% and can be paired with a side of fish curry or pork vindaloo which is the go-to dish for Goans.
Wooden Toys- A reference to the town of Channapatna, which is situated at a distance of 60 kilometers from Bengaluru in Karnataka, the IT Capital of India. This is one of the primary sources of income for dwellers of this city. A tradition that probably goes back hundreds if not thousands of years, in recent years it has experienced great growth due to diversification and inclusion of sycamore, teak, pine, sandalwood, etc alongside the good-old ivory wood. Bavas Miyan incorporated Japanese doll-making techniques which led to the production growing at a faster rate than anticipated.
The Design of the Elven Fortress: Based on the Daulatabad Fort/ Devagiri Fort located in Maharashtra. Originally constructed by the Yadava Dynasty almost a thousand years ago, this fortress today serves as one of the most important tourist attractions. The Ahmadnagar Sultanate and a renowned guerrilla leader named Malik Ambar (originally an Ethiopian slave) helped build the defense systems that astound visitors to this day.
Spirit Owl: Can transmit messages across long distances within a span of a few hours. A reference to the technology of radio waves which was first discovered and demonstrated by renowned polymath Jagadish Chandra Bose. This form of magic can only be used by the Elven nation, and the technology has not been disclosed to anyone else outside the boundaries of Danberra.
The condition of Groucho and MaGroucho: Based on a rare disorder that is known as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome that affects monochorionic twins (identical twins who are forced to share a single placenta inside the womb). In the majority of cases that involve TTTS, one twin ends up dead or born with severe birth defects whereas the other one stays healthy. The risk of such a syndrome overwhelming identical twins is quite low (5-15%).